Manage Customers and Clients
Small business software can alleviate the need for a large sales department and marketing force as it typically comes with client management software that stores and tracks customer information, purchases, and past interactions. Every piece of a client-company relationship can be managed with the software and this means a company can typically employ just one or two sales and marketing professionals when getting started. This can save a large amount of time and, because ‘time is money’, it can help the business maintain profitability and viability in the marketplace.
Task Management
Small business software can also step in and fill the role of a mid-level manager when no one is available to make sure that each employee has a list of tasks and responsibilities for the day. Using the “task management” area of small business software, companies can assign each employee a list of daily tasks and goals, as well as long-term assignments and goals that should be completed in the coming weeks or months. This helps to keep employees aware of their mission, and eliminates the need for a watchful and remindful eye at the office when that person could be using their talents to further small businesses objectives outside the office environment.
Payroll Efficiency and Time Records
Small business software performs two complimentary and extremely helpful functions: it can monitor employees’ payable time by asking them to sign in and out of their workday; it can use that information to automatically calculate the amount of their pay check as well as any applicable deductions to their pay. This would typically take a large accounting and payroll department, but small business software ensures that it will take just one person. In addition to this, because it is so easy to do, the same person may also be able to perform other functions within the business. This eliminates paperwork, overheads, and excessive staffing in the interest of a streamlined operation.
Invoice Without the Mess
Invoicing is one of the hallmarks of any business and it typically takes a team of accounts receivable clerks to perform. But with small business software, those tasks can be performed behind-the-scenes by a special invoicing and accounts feature within the program itself. This virtually eliminates the need for an accounts payable department (or staff member) until the business has grown much larger and effectively outgrown its business management software’s capabilities.
Conclusions
Tasks which once required teams of employees to complete are now easily completed by software, and that means businesses can pay less people to do all of their essential functions. It streamlines payroll, and helps minimise office clutter and congestion. It ensures that multi-tasking is the norm: the same people who manage payroll can manage invoices, and the same people who manage employees’ tasks can monitor their timely (or not so timely) arrival to the office. It is an indispensable part of a 21st century small business.